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“Take Me to Church” is the debut single by Irish recording artist Hozier, whose full name is Andrew Hozier-Byrne. It has become an international hit, reaching #1 in 12 countries, and has been certified five times platinum in the US. “Take Me to Church” was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Song of the Year” in 2015.

Despite its widespread and international success, Hozier was a struggling musician when he recorded the song. And in fact it wasn’t until the music video—a critique of Russia’s anti-LGBT policy, which some audiences have found controversial—went viral that the song attracted attention.

It’s about sex and it’s about humanity, and obviously sex and humanity are incredibly tied. Sexuality, and sexual orientation — regardless of orientation — is just natural… The song is about asserting yourself and reclaiming your humanity through an act of love.

The true genius of this song is Hozier's
Using “take me to church” as a euphemism for having sex, and unless you dissect the lyrics carefully, which by the way initially suggest a completely heterosexual encounter, but ultimately capitalize on the mistreatment of homosexuals. It wasn’t until the video, which first introduces the homosexual aspect, went viral, that Columbia signed Hozier. $$$